One of the great characters of the game, powerhouse goal keeper Vilimaina Davu went on to play for Canterbury after turning out for Fiji at the 1999 Netball World Cup, held in Christchurch.

Davu quickly found her niche in New Zealand after making it her home in 2000. An imposing specialist goal keeper, it took the towering Davu, ironically nicknamed ‘Shorty’, just one domestic season of tormenting opposing shooters before she was included in the Silver Ferns in 2000.

Humble and shy off the court, Davu was fearless on the court, quickly becoming a fan favourite with New Zealand crowds for her on-court antics and fun-loving personality.

Physically imposing and very powerful, Davu’s height, long reach, ability in the air and lightning speed over a short distant made her a formidable opponent.

She remained a mainstay of the Silver Ferns for the next six years, forming a menacing in-circle defensive combination with Sheryl Scanlan.

Starting and finishing her career with Fiji at the 1999 and 2007 World Netball World Cups, winning gold at the 2003 Netball World Cup and 2006 Commonwealth Games with the Silver Ferns were personal highlights for Davu.